Fes to Marrakech: 3-Day Desert Tour, Camel Trek & Luxury Camp

Summary

From Fes to Marrakech across dunes kasbahs and Atlas peaks

You’ll cross Morocco from Fes to Marrakech on this 3-day desert tour: ride camels across Erg Chebbi’s dunes, sleep under Saharan stars in a private luxury tent with en-suite bath, wander ancient kasbahs like Ait Ben Haddou with your guide, and share Berber music around a campfire. It’s less about ticking boxes—more about those small moments that stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

I’d been curious about the desert ever since I first smelled those sweet spices in Fes’s medina—so when we finally squeezed into the van that morning, I felt half-awake and weirdly excited. Our guide, Youssef, had this dry sense of humor; he called Ifrane “Morocco’s Switzerland” but then pointed out a stray cat sunning itself on a rooftop like it owned the place. The air changed quickly as we drove—piney in the cedar forest (and yes, monkeys really do just hang around). Lunch somewhere near Ziz Valley tasted of cumin and slow-cooked lamb, and I still remember the way the bread felt warm in my hands.

The first time I saw Erg Chebbi’s sand dunes, I actually laughed—it didn’t look real. Camel trekking was less graceful than Instagram makes it seem (my camel was called Bob Marley and he kept stopping to sniff everything), but sunset on a high dune just went quiet all at once. Not silent exactly—someone behind me let out a little gasp—but there was this hush as the sky turned pink. At camp, they handed us mint tea before showing us our tents (private bathroom! In the desert!). Dinner was tagine by firelight while one of the Berber guys drummed and sang—he tried teaching us a chorus but honestly I just clapped along.

Waking up early for sunrise felt like punishment at first, but then you see that light hit the dunes and you get it. We rode camels again (or you can take a 4x4 if your legs are done) and stopped in Rissani for market day—donkeys everywhere, spices piled high. Todra Gorge is so tall it made me dizzy looking up; Youssef told us stories about climbers getting stuck there but waved it off like “no big deal.” The hotel in Dades Gorges had these bright rugs everywhere and a view over rocks shaped like monkey fingers—I’m not making that up.

The last day was this blur of roses (if you’re lucky with timing), movie studios outside Ouarzazate (we didn’t go inside because we wanted more time at Ait Ben Haddou), and winding roads through the High Atlas. Walking through Ait Ben Haddou with our guide explaining how caravans used to stop here made me feel tiny in history. By the time we rolled into Marrakech in late afternoon, dusty and happy-tired, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone all day—which says something.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fes to Merzouga desert journey

• Pick travelers in Fes Medina
• Stop for walk in Ifrane
• Visit Cedar forest for monkeys
• Lunch at roadside restaurant
• Stop for panoramic oasis view
• Arrive Merzouga desert
• Ride camels to desert camp
• Watch sunset from high dune
• Dinner and campfire with music
• Sleep in luxury desert camp

Day 2 — Merzouga desert to Dades Gorges

• Watch sunrise in desert
• Breakfast at desert camp
• Leave camp by camel or 4x4
• Optional quad biking or buggy
• Visit Rissani souk (on market days)
• Walk in Todra Gorge canyon
• See monkey fingers rock formations
• Panoramic view of Dades Gorges
• Dinner and overnight in Dades

Day 3 — Dades to Marrakech via Ouarzazate

• Breakfast at hotel in Dades
• Drive to Ouarzazate via rose valley
• See Atlas Studio from outside
• Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Drive over High Atlas Mountains
• Stop for mountain views
• Arrive Marrakech and tour ends

Top questions

How long is the camel trek during the Fes to Marrakech desert tour?

The camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes each way between Merzouga village and your desert camp.

Is pickup included from my riad or hotel in Fes?

Yes, pickup is included from an accessible meeting point near your hotel or riad in Fes’s medina.

Can I choose between camel ride or 4x4 to reach the camp?

Yes, you can opt for either camel trekking or transfer by 4x4 vehicle to your luxury desert camp at no extra charge.

Are meals included during the tour?

Dinners and breakfasts are included at both your desert camp in Merzouga and hotel in Dades Gorges; lunch stops are along the route at local restaurants (not always included).

What type of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay one night in a private luxury tent with en-suite bathroom in Erg Chebbi dunes and one night in a private room with en-suite bathroom at Hotel Babylon Dades or similar.

Will we visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah with a guide?

Yes, your guide will escort you through Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and explain its history as part of your itinerary.

Is quad biking available during this tour?

You can add quad biking or buggy driving in Merzouga for an extra fee; let your guide know ahead of time if interested.

Are infants or young children allowed on this tour?

Infants can join using specialized seats or strollers; however, it may not be suitable for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup from Fes medina meeting point by air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide throughout. You’ll have a private luxury tent with en-suite bathroom at Africa Luxury Camp (or similar) in Erg Chebbi dunes plus another night at Hotel Babylon Dades (or similar). Camel trekking across sand dunes is part of it—with sandboarding available—and guided exploration of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah too. All dinners and breakfasts are covered; lunch stops are arranged along scenic routes before drop-off near your Marrakech hotel or riad.